New Destinations: 3 Intriguing “Change of Scenery” Players on TSN’S Trade Bait Board

Using TSN’s Trade Bait list as a point of reference, we’ll take a look at a few players that I find to be most interesting going into this year’s NHL Trade Deadline that could benefit from packing up their things and heading to a new city.

When the NHL trade deadline comes around every year, people fixate on which players have expiring deals that lead them to unrestricted free agency and are deemed a “rental” for teams in the playoff picture. However, there are always a handful of players that are usually on the younger side that need a new spot to grow, making both their trade value and potential on a different team a point of speculation. As opposed to what is usually an “in a vacuum” exchange of draft picks and prospects, these players are often swapped for each other or as part of a bigger package many may not have thought was available to begin with, making them some of the most exciting pieces to watch at the deadline.

For up to date information on the NHL and their upcoming trade deadline, dive into our NHL page here!

Brandon Hagel, F Chicago Blackhawks 

Dubbed this years “Blake Coleman” or “Barclay Goodrow”, Hagel has quickly become a hot commodity for teams looking for a low cap hit, high impact, versatile forward. Chicago is looking to retool as they look towards the future in the wake of recent events in the organization (and we’ll leave it at that). Although Hagel is only 23, his trade value has never been higher as he has posted 33 points (18 G, 15 A) this season at a cap hit of $1.5M AAV, and will be under team control at the end of next year as an RFA. Rumored asking prices have been starting at a 1st round pick and a solid prospect (similar to the returns for the aforementioned Coleman and Goodrow), but I could see him fetching even more as he is currently younger than Goodrow and Coleman when they were traded. Potential suitors will weigh his skillset but also factor in the control they gain from his RFA rights. Some may say that he would not be considered a “change of scenery” player, however, I believe that Hagel can reach another level that we have not seen if he were to be moved to a true playoff contender.

Best Fits: Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, Minnesota Wild

Jake DeBrusk, F Boston Bruins

It’s been no secret that DeBrusk wants out of the Bruins organization. Playing time is his main concern and with the right situation he hopes to replicate his sophomore season performance, where he scored 27 goals. In the three years since, his production has certainly taken a dip and I think that most fans, even of Boston, would agree it is best he moves on. Despite his overall production being average this year, he’s been hot lately and recently scored a hat trick against the Kings. These recent performances only increase his value as an asset and could net a great return for Boston, while also putting DeBrusk in a situation to succeed. With the right fit in a top-six role, his shot alone could bring his production back into the 20+ goal per season range, the main reason he was drafted by the Bruins originally. The best fit to me meets two major thresholds. First, the organization should have a good amount of cap space to work with so they can handle his summer qualifying offer of $4.4M without worrying. Second, the “best fit” will also provide him with a playmaking center who will continually put him in a position to score on the power play and above the circles.

Best Fits: Anaheim Ducks, Detroit Red Wings, New Jersey Devils

Timothy Liljegren, D Toronto Maple Leafs 

I remember when Liljegren was a highly hyped prospect going into the 2017 draft. During the draft process he was commended for his offensive prowess and the potential he possessed to become one of the game’s best offensive-minded defenseman. While he hasn’t quite found his footing in the league, I still think he can meet the expectations of his draft hype. He actually has put together a decent year for a young defenseman, it is evident he is starting to put the pieces together on the offensive end, scoring six points in his last ten games and 14 points for the season. I’d say despite him being on the Trade Board, his chances of actually being moved before the deadline are low, even considering the recent acquisition of Ilya Lyubushkin from Arizona. He is essentially “saved” from the deadline because of the uncertainty surrounding the return of Jake Muzzin, who is likely out at least until after deadline day. On top of that, I’m sure Toronto envisions a power play in the future boasting a fully developed Liljegren feeding forwards like Matthews and Marner for easy goals. However while all of this is true, he’s on the board for a reason and if Toronto finds a trade, he could be headed elsewhere. Ideally the spot for him is a team where he can continue to grow his game with somewhat sheltered minutes, alongside a stay-at-home veteran defenseman. Might Toronto try to go for it all and include him in a package for Jakob Chychrun? That would certainly be a trade deadline splash to get excited about. 

Best Fits: Arizona Coyotes, San Jose Sharks, Dallas Stars